Without a doubt, most parents make decisions they believe are in the best interest of their children. Sometimes they listen to friends, family, doctors and teachers. Sometimes they do their research. Sometimes they don't.

And sometimes, life just throws curve balls, even if we've done all of the above.

In order to ensure everyone who needs the vaccine has the opportunity to receive it, Carson City Health and Human Services’ Long Street Clinic is going to offer extended hours each Thursday in February.

Immunize Nevada, in partnership with the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health and Nevada Cancer Coalition, has launched HPV Free NV, a statewide campaign to raise awareness and uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine known to prevent cancer.

When I was recently asked to give a TEDx talk about preventing cancer through HPV vaccination, I didn’t want my HPV story to be part of it. I didn’t want it broadcast to the world. I definitely didn’t want to talk about sex.

Immunize Nevada needs your help. Post a picture of you, your family, your friends to our Facebook page, tag it #IAmTheWhy, and join us in spreading the word about the very personal reasons you choose to vaccinate.